. . . as rapper is set to record single at Oskido’s label
Mohalenyane Phakela
VODACOM Superstars 2015 music category winner, L-Tore, sang the praises of the telecommunications giant on Tuesday during his sent off to Johannesburg to record at Oskido’s Kalawa Jazzmee record label.
L-Tore won the top prize in the fourth edition of the Vodacom Superstars talent search competition held on 10 October 2015. In addition to the cash prize of M70 000, the rapper also won the opportunity to record a single with South African producer Oskido at his Midrand studio. He was scheduled to spend two days working on the track and return home tomorrow.
In an interview with the Weekender at Moshoeshoe I International Airport ahead of his flight to OR Tambo International Airport, he said Vodacom Lesotho (VCL) had afforded him “an opportunity of a lifetime”.
According to L-Tore, who was born Lerato Leteka, VCL had given him an opportunity he had always yearned for, but seemed impossible due to resource constraints.
“I don’t think most people understand what Vodacom has done for me or what they are trying to do for Basotho artists. I am excited but still astounded by the fact that I am close to achieving my dream. Working with Oskido will be the best experience ever,” he said.
“I have always dreamt of making inroads in the South African music market since our industry in Lesotho has not developed enough in terms of giving artists their dues.
“I appreciate the work Vodacom is doing, and would not hesitate to work with them any time since they have given me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
L-Tore said he would do his utmost to impress during the recording sessions to ensure the single he is set to record would result in a full recording deal.
“Oskido is a legend when it comes to music. He has discovered a lot of popular South African artists such as Boom Shaka and Mahoota,” he said.
“So, I will be bringing my A game to ensure the track becomes a hit which would then compel Oskido to offer me a recording deal.”
Asked whether he already had an idea of what the track would sound like, L-Tore said: “We will start working on the track tomorrow (Wednesday) with Oskido. I don’t know what to expect, but I am a versatile person who can ride any beat.
“Besides, I have a bit of knowledge about the type of Hip Hop Kalawa Jazmee produces based on the output of its prominent exponents such as AB Crazy and Vetkuk Vs Mahoota.”
On his part, VCL Marketing Specialist, Seema Tsotetsi, said there was a lot in store for L-Tore apart from the cash prize and recording deal.
“This recording deal is just a stepping stone for L-Tore to get his name out there in South Africa,” he said.
“It is up to him to ensure that he creates connections that will boost his career in the three days he will spend at Kalawa Jazmee Records.
“We are expecting the track to be performed at this year’s edition of the Vodacom Summa Feva on 18 December 2015.”
He said negotiations were ongoing between VCL and Vodacom operations in other African countries about fostering relationships between artists. Vodacom is operational in over 40 countries across the African continent.
“The reason for this initiative is that since the other Vodacom operations also have competitions of this nature, we want to create a platform where the winners can share the stage or even work on joint projects,” said Mr Tsotetsi.
“If our deliberations go as planned, L-Tore will perform at an event in the Democratic Republic of Congo, courtesy of Vodacom, before the end of this year.”
He said L-Tore would also perform at various VCL functions and feature in some of their upcoming campaigns.
Mr Tsotetsi added that Vodacom Superstars 2015 dance category winners, Converse Heroes, would also perform in a top music video “sometime next month” since the dates are yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, the male and female DJ category winners, Vesta and Linah, are set to join Oskido on his South African tour which starts on 20 December 2015.
